Supporting Clients with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

An intellectual or developmental disability, also called IDD, includes many severe, chronic conditions that are due to mental and/or physical impairments. IDD can begin at any time, up to 22 years of age. It usually lasts throughout a person's lifetime.

Individuals with disabilities are the single largest minority in the country (United States Department of Labor, 2017).  In the US alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that there are more than 61 million adults with a registered disability. CDC defines the term “disability” as a physical and or mental limitation that impacts one or more major life activity. This statistic equates to one in five adults living in Colorado, or 20% of our Colorado’s adult population (CDC, 2020).

This workshop provides tools for helping professionals to empower, respect, and work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

Participants will leave with an understanding of:

• Federal laws that protect the rights of people with disabilities.
• How to use People First Language.
• Implementing Person Centered Practices.
• Disability inclusion strategies.
• Disclosure and why (or why not) it is important.
• Reasonable accommodations and how they can support your work. 

Presenter: Katie Dockery

Katie has been working in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities for the past 20 years. Within that time, she has worked with multiple non-profits, government agencies, and the community championing services for those with disabilities. Katie’s depth of experience spans direct service, case management, community outreach, leadership / workforce development, disability training, and consulting. Katie is passionate about empowering communities and clients to challenge systemic inequalities. Currently Katie is the Chief Operating Officer at HighPointe Services here in Colorado.